Best Tea Kettle Reviews and Buying Guide

Versatile and extremely efficient at boiling water for tea, hot cocoa, soups and more, tea kettles can be found in millions of homes across the country and around the globe. Unfortunately, while there are plenty of attractive, good-looking kettles out there with hundreds and even thousands of positive reviews from foodies, choosing the best tea kettle can be quite a challenge.

Lucky for you, I have decades of tea brewing experience and have used every tea kettle under the sun on my quest to find the best of the best and brew the perfect cup of tea. Rather than waste your precious time reading one worthless review after another, keep reading to learn more about tea kettles and receive my expert opinion on the very best tea kettles being made today!

Our Recommended Tea Kettle

There are a lot of good tea kettles out there, as you’ll see below, but the OXO Good Grips Brushed Stainless Classic Tea Kettle is by far one of our favorites. Featuring a traditional design and a modern brushed stainless steel construction, this OXO is brilliant both functionally and aesthetically.

The large three-quart kettle has a loud whistle, large lid and opening for easy cleaning, rotating handle for easy pouring and filling, and a number of other fantastic design features, making it simply one of the best kettles your hard-earned money can buy. With subtle good looks, a rock-solid construction, and a lifetime guarantee as well, it’s easy to see why the OXO Good Grips Brushed Stainless Classic Tea Kettle is one of the best rated tea kettles on the market.

If you’re looking for a great all-around kettle that works just as good as it looks, look no further than this OXO kettle. It checks all of the boxes and then some, making it my go-to kettle for everyday use and definitely one of my top recommendations.

Types of Tea Kettles

Tea kettles are made with a variety of materials, such as stainless steel, enamel, and glass, but there are essentially only two types of kettles: electric kettles and stovetop kettles. Let’s take a closer look at each of these two types of tea kettles, see exactly what they offer, and help you pick the right type of kettle for you.

Electric Tea Kettles

Electric tea kettles are safe, easy to use, and often feature one-touch operation. You simply plug it in, press a button, and the heating element will immediately begin heating the water.

Electric kettles typically feature base units made out of plastic or stainless steel where the heating element is housed and separate removable kettles made out of glass or plastic, which makes them more prone to breaking.

That being said, electric kettles can heat up water more quickly than stovetop kettles and usually come with a range of neat features like automatic infuser baskets, automatic shut-off, and other smart details that make the brewing process as easy as can be.

Stovetop Tea Kettles

Rather than plugging into an outlet and coming in two pieces like most electric kettles, traditional stovetop tea kettles are places directly on an electric or gas burner to quickly heat water to a boil. The stainless steel, glass, or ceramic kettles feature spouts and handles that allow hot water to be easily poured into teacups, mugs, or any type of container.

Stovetop tea kettles benefit from thousands of years of design improvements and cost much less than electric kettles, making them a great choice if you don’t plan on using a kettle all that often. Even if you do, quality stovetop kettles are easy to clean and very durable, so you can’t go wrong either way. Many tea kettles also feature whistles alerting you loud and clear whenever the water’s ready, not to mention the fact that they’re also extremely portable and can be used virtually anywhere.

You can buy a tea kettle practically anywhere, but if you’re searching for the best stovetop tea kettle, our reviews will definitely help you narrow your options.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Tea Kettle

Aside from choosing between an electric or stovetop model, there’s a bevy of things to consider when shopping for a great tea kettle. From price to features and convenience, here are some things to keep in mind in order to find the best tea kettle for your home:

Kettle capacity – When shopping for a tea kettle, you must first decide on the kettle’s capacity. Are you single and in need of a smaller 16-ounce kettle that’s easy to store? Do you have a large family or frequently socialize and need a larger three-quart kettle to fill a large teapot? The answers to these questions will certainly help you narrow down your option.

Style and design – Even if you’re going for that rustic old-French farmhouse look, it’s important to choose a tea kettle that looks great and goes with the style and design of your kitchen and appliances.

Ease of use – As is the case with most things, some tea kettles are easier to use than others. Ultimately, you want to choose a kettle with a large opening for filling and pouring, a properly angled spout for easy pouring and less spills, and a comfortable handle that doesn’t get in the way.

Weight – You’re going to have to lift and pour your tea kettle whenever you want to enjoy a hot cup of tea, coffee, or soup, so it’s important to also consider the weight of a kettle before buying it.

Price – Price, of course, is an obvious consideration when shopping for anything. There are quite a number of quality tea kettles available for under $20 and there are more expensive electric models with price tags upwards of $60 or more, so you can rest assured you can find a great kettle regardless of your budget.

Features – Some tea kettles come with a lid and basic spout while others are equipped with whistles, temperature controls, automatic shut-offs, and other handy features. In fact, some quality kettles even come with infuser baskets, ensuring you always brew the perfect cup of tea.

Top Rated Tea Kettle Reviews And Ratings

Medelco 12-Cup Glass Stovetop Whistling Kettle

Pros:

Very inexpensive yet well-made and works great

Cons:

Lab-quality glass is very strong but breakable like any other type of glass product

While breakable, glass kettles are a popular option because they don’t impart flavors or harmful chemicals into the water like some of their plastic and stainless steel counterparts, and our favorite glass kettle is the Medelco 12-Cup Glass Stovetop Whistling Kettle.

With a large 12-cup capacity, super affordable price tag, a whistling lid, and a great overall design, it’s easy to see why thousands of others agree and have given this Medelco rave reviews. If you’re on the hunt for a great glass tea kettle that won’t break the bank, this is the kettle for you.

Product Details:

12-cup/64-ounce capacity

Lab-quality Schott Duran borosilicate glass

Drip-free spout

Removable lid with whistle

BPA-free

Dishwasher safe and stain resistant

Metal heat diffusing trivet included

Weight- 1.2 pounds

Made in the USA

Review

The Medelco 12-Cup Glass Stovetop Whistling Tea Kettle is an excellent large-capacity kettle for boiling water for coffee, tea, hot cocoa, soups, and so much more. Made from high-quality borosilicate glass and featuring a removable lid with whistle, a heat-resistant handle, metal heat diffuser, and drip-free spout, and a heat-resistant handle, it’s surprisingly durable and has everything you could hope for in a quality glass kettle.

Although it’s extremely lightweight and only tips the scales at just over a pound, the Medelco 12-Cup Glass Stovetop Whistling Tea Kettle is quite well-made. Speaking of made, it’s made in America as well, which I must say, is a pleasant surprise. With so much to offer, it’s easily the best tea kettle available for under $10!

Conclusion

Thanks to its large capacity, solid construction, wide-range of must-have tea kettle features, and thousands of positive reviews, it’s safe to say the Medelco 12-Cup Glass Stovetop Whistling Kettle is one of the best in the business. If you’re in need of a wonderful kettle at a wonderful price, get this tea kettle today. Trust me, it won’t let you down.

Rating

5

Performance

3

Durability

5

Versatility

4

Ease of Use

5

Money Value

T-fal Balanced Living Electric Cordless Kettle

Pros:

Very durable and well-made

Cons:

Smaller capacity than many other kettles

Glass stovetop kettles can be fantastic for at-home use and people without children, but if you’re an on-the-go traveler or the proud parent of a pre-teen son or daughter, the T-fal BF6138 Balanced Living 4-Cup 1750-Watt Electric Travel Cordless Kettle may be for you.

It’s incredibly durable construction makes this T-fal one of the most user and travel-friendly kettles on the market. Designed to look like a classic stovetop kettle but heat water up quicker and be easier to use, this electric kettle deserves a top spot on any best rated tea kettles list.

Product Details:

4-cup/one-liter capacity

Powered by 1,750 watts

Concealed heating element

Durable cordless black plastic housing

360-degree rotating base

Water level window

Locking lid

Weight – one pound

One-year limited warranty

Review

The uniquely durable and convenient T-fal BF6138 Balanced Living 4-Cup 1750-Watt Electric Travel Cordless Kettle is equipped with a ton of features that make it easy to use and help it perform like a champ time and time again.

In fact, with this T-fal, making the perfect cup of tea is a breeze. Simply plug it in, select your desired temperature, and twiddle your thumbs for 90 seconds. That’s all there is to it. The concealed electric heating element heats water extremely fast and the T-fal comes with an automatic shut-off, 360-degree rotating base, and a removable anti-scale filter as well. Talk about providing a lot of bang for the buck!

Conclusion

The T-fal BF6138 Balanced Living 4-Cup 1750-Watt Electric Travel Cordless Kettle certainly may not be a classic stainless or copper tea kettle, but the durable, electric kettle is a treat to use and ideal for anyone willing to forego beauty over modern performance and design. Made to work extremely well and last for years, you really can’t go wrong with this stellar electric tea kettle.

Rating

5

Performance

5

Durability

4

Versatility

5

Ease of Use

4

Money Value

Hario V60 Buono Coffee Drip Kettle

Pros:

Impeccably made and works great

Cons:

A little pricier than some other stovetop kettles

The Hario V60 Buono Coffee Drip Kettle is elegant and stunning in every way. In addition to looking great with its classic styling, the Hario is easy to use and features a thin, long spout for easy pouring. The well-made, lightweight kettle also offers a generous 27-ounce capacity and is compatible with electric, gas, and IH ranges. With hundreds of excellent reviews, the Hario V60 proves you really do get what you pay for.

Product Details:

27-ounce capacity

Stainless steel construction

Gooseneck spout

Ergonomic heat-resistant handle

Weight – 5.1 ounces

Review

If you want a good-looking, lightweight kettle that’s easy to use and provides the perfect pour for morning cups of coffee or tea, look no further than the Hario V60 Buono Coffee Drip Kettle. Despite its incredibly lightweight design, this smartly made kettle has a generous 27-ounce capacity and is built to provide years of worry-free use.

Unlike many kettles mentioned in other reviews with short, poorly designed spouts that seem to spill better than they fill, the Hario’s gooseneck spout allows water to stream out slowly for a precise and consistent pour. It may be a little more expensive than many other stovetop kettles, but it provides you with the control you need to pour excellent cups of coffee or tea time and time again.

Conclusion

There is a sea of average tea kettles out there, but the Hario V60 Buono Coffee Drip Kettle is far from average. With a great gooseneck design and lightweight yet durable design, it’s definitely a kettle any serious coffee or tea connoisseur should consider.

Rating

5

Performance

5

Durability

3

Versatility

4

Ease of Use

3

Money Value

Fino Pour Over Coffee and Tea Kettle

Pros:

Very well-made and provides precise performance at a competitive price

Cons:

None come to mind

If you like the gooseneck spout design of the Hario above but would like a kettle with a larger capacity and more polished design, you’re going to love the Fino Pour Over Coffee and Tea Kettle!

With a larger 1-liter capacity, classy polished stainless steel design, and more affordable price tag, it’s hard to argue against the merits of this Fino. I’ve used many tea kettles over the years, but very few compare to this kettle in terms of performance and value, earning it a much-deserved spot towards the top of our list.

Product Details:

One-liter/six-cup capacity

Curved gooseneck and narrow spout

Angled, heat-resistant handle

Constructed of 18/8 polished stainless steel

Weight – 14.4 ounces

Made in Japan

Review

The Fino Pour Over Coffee Kettle provides precise pouring control. Not only does the polished stainless steel kettle have an elegant design that perfectly marries both fashion and function, but it has a sizable one-liter capacity and long curved gooseneck spout as well.

Designed to naturally produce a slow and incredibly precise flow of water, which is critical for extracting the most flavor when utilizing the pour over brewing technique, it’s hard not to like the Fino Pour Over Coffee Kettle and its proven gooseneck spout.

That being said, the kettle’s quality construction and low price-point are what really steal the show. Expertly made in Japan from 18/8 stainless steel and featuring a thermoplastic handle that can withstand the hottest of temperatures and remain cool to the touch, this modern tea kettle is simply one of the best in the business and a personal favorite of mine for quite some time.

Conclusion

There are plenty of kettles out there capable of brewing a decent cup of coffee or tea, but the Fino Pour Over Coffee Kettle is one of the best around. Well-made, competitively priced, and featuring a classically stylish design, it gets two thumbs up in my book and is definitely a worthy option for any coffee or hot tea lover!

Rating

5

Performance

4

Durability

3

Versatility

4

Ease of Use

5

Money Value

Sori Yanagi Stainless Steel Kettle

Pros:

Beautiful, impeccably crafted, and works wonderfully

Cons:

Not the cheapest tea kettle on the market

Classic English tea kettles with long skinny pour spouts are great, but there’s something to be said about Japanese traditions and craftsmanship. With a classic Japanese tea kettle design and a solid construction with attention paid to every detail, the Sori Yanagi Stainless Steel Kettle is hard to overlook and easy to appreciate. It may be a little pricier than many of the other stovetop kettles on our list, but its craftsmanship and timeless, proven design are second to none.

Product Details:

2.5-liter capacity

Constructed of 18/8 stainless steel

Matte finish

Ergonomically-designed handle and removable lid

Weight – 1.2 pounds

Made in Japan

Review

If you’re looking for a tea kettle made in USA, then the Sori Yanagi Stainless Steel Kettle isn’t for you. Crafted in Japan with a hand-brushed matte finish, this sleek and low-profile classic Japanese tea kettle s one of the nicest kettles I’ve had the pleasure of using in quite some time.

Beyond its sleek traditional Japanese design and beautiful finish, you can feel the Sori Yanagi’s quality the moment you use it. The one-directional handle grips comfortably, and along with its perfect balancing, it helps make the pouring process as easy as can be. With a vented removable lid and other neat design elements as well, it truly is a joy to use!

Conclusion

All in all, the Sori Yanagi Stainless Steel Kettle is a beautiful kettle that looks and performs with the best of them. Whether you have impeccable taste and demand the very best or are simply looking for a gem of a tea kettle that will brew perfectly year after year, this awesome albeit pricey Sori Yanagi kettle may be the one for you.

Rating

5

Performance

4

Durability

4

Versatility

5

Ease of Use

3

Money Value

Circulon 2-Quart Circles Tea Kettle

Pros:

Large capacity, solid construction, and contemporary design

Cons:

A little on the heavy side

Less Japanese and more Dutch modern in design, the Circulon 2-Quart Circles Tea Kettle is a great all-around kettle for daily use. The product of over 25 years of manufacturing experience, this uniquely styled contemporary tea kettle can quickly heat up to eight cups of water and the cheery color options can brighten any kitchen.

Product Details:

2-quart capacity

Stain-resistant enamel exterior

Removable stainless steel lid

Convenient whistle

One-touch spout lever feature for super easy operation

Sturdy, stylish handle

Weight – 3.2 pounds

Lifetime warranty

Review

The Circulon 2-Quart Circles Tea Kettle may not be elegant and suitable for fancy tea parties, but it has a stylish modern design, large capacity, and a wide-range of features that make it a great option in any home. From its oversized handle to its loud whistle, this Circulon tea kettle works like a quality tea kettle should.

As far as durability goes, the Circulon 2-Quart Circles Tea Kettle doesn’t disappoint. In fact, unlike nearly every other tea kettle out there these days, it comes with a lifetime guarantee! Needless to say, whenever you want to enjoy a hot cup of coffee or tea, you can count on this Circulon to deliver.

Conclusion

Elegant English and Japanese tea kettles are terrific for some, but if you want a solid tea kettle that you can use every day and will last for years, you should seriously consider the Circulon 2-Quart Circles Tea Kettle. Well-made, affordably priced, and designed to work like a champ for years to come, it’s pros definitely outweigh any cons.

Rating

4

Performance

5

Durability

5

Versatility

4

Ease of Use

4

Money Value

Proctor Silex K2070YA Electric Kettle

Pros:

Very affordable and easy to use

Cons:

Requires an electric outlet to operate

The Proctor Silex K2070YA Electric Kettle may look like nothing more than a pitcher at first, but this incredibly low-priced electric kettle can have your tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and soup ready in mere minutes. Thanks to its 1,000-watt rapid boil system, it can heat water extremely fast.

The Proctor Silex K2070YA Electric Kettle also has a safe and convenient automatic shut-off function, detachable power cord for easy pouring, and a number of other smart features. Simply plug it into any standard outlet and you’re good to go! With so much convenience at such a low price, it’s no wonder this Proctor Silex is one of the most popular tea kettles on the market today.

Product Details:

One-quart capacity

1,000-watt heating element

Automatic shut-off

Detachable cord

Two water viewing windows

Weight – 1.7 pounds

Review

Safer than a stovetop kettle and faster than any microwave, the Proctor Silex K2070YA Electric Kettle makes boiling water a breeze. Perfect for your home or office, this amazingly popular kettle benefits from a 1,000-watt heating element capable of boiling up to one quart of water in only a couple of minutes.

However, the real beauty of this electric kettle is its wonderful features. Thanks to its handy auto shut-off function, dual viewing windows, and detachable cord, it’s super easy to use. When you factor in its low price tag, the Proctor Silex K2070YA Electric Kettle is easily one of the best bargains around.

Conclusion

Safety, convenience, and performance all rolled into one, the Proctor Silex K2070YA Electric Tea Kettles is by far the most popular electric kettle being sold today. If you’re too busy to boil water the old-fashioned way or if safety is a concern, this electric kettle may be exactly what you’ve been looking for.

Rating

5

Performance

3

Durability

4

Versatility

5

Ease of Use

5

Money Value

Breville USA BKE595XL Crystal Clear Electric Kettle

Pros:

Looks great and works even better

Cons:

Heavier and more expensive than many other kettles on the market

If looks and performance are equally important in your book like they mine, then you have to check out the Breville BKE595XL Crystal Clear Electric Kettle!

Utilizing the natural purity and strength of German Schott Glass, this sleek and stylish glass electric kettle boils is extremely safe to use and boils water remarkably fast. It may be a bit pricey for some, but with checkmarks for looks, safety, convenience, and performance, this smart and snazzy kettle won’t disappoint.

Product Details:

Two-liter capacity

German Schott Glass and BPA-free construction

Ergonomic handle

Slow-opening lid with lid release button

Automatic shut-off

Weight – 4.2 pounds

Review

There are very few, if any, kettles on the market that look and perform as well as the Breville BKE595XL Crystal Clear Electric Kettle. While other electric kettles are designed for function alone, the folks at Breville stepped it up by making not only a kettle that works great, but one that’s incredibly safe and looks absolutely stunning as well.

Made of high-quality German Schott Glass and completely BPA-free parts, it boils water in the purest possible way to provide you with peace of mind and years of worry-free tea or coffee enjoyment. Speaking of boil, it’s capable of bringing two liters of water to a boil in only a couple of minutes, and like any quality electric kettle, it shuts off automatically when it’s done.

With all of this and elegant good looks to boot, the Breville BKE595XL Crystal Clear Electric Kettle has recently become my favorite kettle for everyday use.

Conclusion

There are plenty of tea kettles out there to choose from, but honestly, very few compete with this Breville. Designed to be one of the safest, good looking, and best all-around kettles being made today, it’s certainly earned my full endorsement.

Rating

5

Performance

4

Durability

5

Versatility

5

Ease of Use

3

Money Value

KitchenAid KTEN20CBKL 2.0-Quart Kettle

Pros:

Well-made with a bright attractive design

Cons:

Vibrant color options limit decorating options

It’s not made from special German glass and doesn’t have a hand-brushed finish, but the KitchenAid KTEN20CBKL 2.0-Quart Kettle makes a bright and cheerful addition to any kitchen. With a large attractive handle, wonderful color options, and classy stainless steel accents, the colorful porcelain enamel tea kettle looks great on the stovetop and quickly heat up water in style.

Product Details:

2-Quart Capacity

Porcelain enamel exterior

Vibrant color options

Thumb-press spout

Attractive stainless steel band and whistle

Comfortable c-handle

Weight – 2.8 pounds

Limited lifetime warranty

Review

The KitchenAid KTEN20CBKL 2.0-Quart Kettle is a unique, vibrantly colored porcelain enamel tea kettle designed to pleasantly accentuate any kitchen. With a removable lid, comfortable handle, stainless steel accents, and a clear, audible whistle as well, it’s a great kettle in every way.

While it’s not the least expensive kettle out there, the price of this wonderful KitchenAid kettle falls right in the middle of the pack, making it a good value for the money. There are other neat features of this kettle, such as an easy-open lid and rubberized c-handle, you have to use to truly appreciate.

Conclusion

The KitchenAid KTEN20CBKL 2.0-Quart Kettle looks great and works just as well. With a large capacity, fresh vibrant design, loud whistle, and other terrific must-have features, it’s the perfect kettle for any tea-loving family.

Rating

4

Performance

4

Durability

5

Versatility

4

Ease of Use

4

Money Value

OXO Good Grips Brushed Stainless Classic Tea Kettle

Pros:

Incredibly well-made to last forever and provide the perfect pour

Cons:

Not compatible with induction ranges

Do you like a classic design that’s proven to boil and pour water flawlessly? If so, say hello to the OXO Good Grips Brushed Stainless Classic Tea Kettle. Traditionally shaped and featuring a nice loud whistle, heat-resistant silicone touchpoints, large lid opening, and long classic spout with flappable cap, there are few kettles out there that are more enjoyable to use than this high-quality OXO.

Product Details:

Large three-quart capacity

Constructed of high-grade seamless stainless steel

Rotating handle

Heat-resistant silicone touchpoints

Large lid opening

Loud whistle

Weight – 2.2 pounds

Limited lifetime guarantee

Review

You can make tea, coffee, or soups in style with the OXO Brushed Stainless Classic Tea Kettle. Featuring a classic design with a long spout with cap for precise pouring, an extra-large three-quart capacity, heat-resistant touchpoints on the handle and lid, and a loud whistle that will let you know whenever tea is ready regardless of where you are in your home, this tea kettle is arguably one of the best your hard-earned money can buy.

I’ve collected many kettles over the years and personally like to mix up my selections depending on my mood, the occasion, what I’m making, and so on. However, I can honestly say this kettle has probably received the most use in my home over the years, and that speaks volumes.

Conclusion

With a solid one-piece stainless steel construction, loud audible whistle, long spout, large lid opening, and oversized capacity, the OXO Brushed Stainless Classic Tea Kettle is easily one of the best kettles being made today. If you want an excellent kettle that quickly heats water, precisely pours water, and lasts for years, do yourself a favor and check out this OXO tea kettle today. You’ll be glad you did!

Rating

5

Performance

5

Durability

5

Versatility

4

Ease of Use

4

Money Value

Compact Tea Kettles

Large tea kettles are great for tea parties and households with more than a person or two, but compact tea kettles are pretty fantastic in their own right.

Kettles with large capacities of a quart or more not only take up valuable counter and cabinet space, but they’re typically more expensive and take longer to heat up as well. Compact tea kettles, on the other hand, heat up quickly, take up much less space, and are much more portable than their larger counterparts.

If you don’t have a large family or like to travel frequently, a small tea kettle is definitely the way to go, and the Chef’s Choice 673 Cordless Compact Electric Kettle is my favorite small kettle being sold today. The stylish small electric tea kettle easily lifts from its 1,500-watt base and features an auto shut-off, easy-to-see water level gauge, boil-dry protection, cool touch bottom, and many other neat design elements.

Easy to use and easier to pack and take with you anywhere, the Chef’s Choice is a terrific compact kettle you should definitely consider if convenience and portability are at the top of your must-have list.

Unique Tea Kettles

When choosing a tea kettle for everyday use, chances are you’re more interested in its performance than its aesthetic appeal. However, if you’re looking for the perfect gift for a tea lover like me, you may want to forego a typical stainless steel or porcelain white tea kettle and consider one of the more interesting options available these days.

Whether you’re interested in a purple stainless steel tea kettle, pink tempered glass tea kettle, turquoise enamel tea kettle, or something a little more unique, there are all kinds of wonderfully interesting tea kettles on the market to choose from.

That being said, out of the hundreds of kettles I’ve run across, the Animal Kettle 2.3-Quart Whistling Giraffe Tea Kettle is by far one of the most unique. The perfect gift for just about anyone, this cute giraffe-inspired tea kettle features an enamel-on-steel construction and is beautifully painted to depict a smiling giraffe. From its handle to its spout, this kettle is cute as can be in every way.

An orange tea kettle may be a great Halloween present and a green tea kettle may be the perfect St. Patty’s Day gift, but if you want to really make someone smile, this one-of-a-kind giraffe tea kettle will surely do the trick!

How to Use a Tea Kettle

People have been using tea kettles for centuries, and the process is rather simple. To use a tea kettle, you simple fill it with however much water you need, place it on the stove, and wait a few minutes for it to bring the water to a boil.

Using an electric kettle is even easier. You simply fill it with water and press a button. Most quality electric kettles have an automatic shut-off, so you don’t even need to turn it off!

Honestly, using any type of kettle is pretty easy. Once the water is hot and ready, you simply put a tea bag or coffee in your cup and pour the water over top. After it’s steeped for a minute or two, you can add milk, lemon, sugar, and whatever you like.

As you can see, making a quality cup of tea is a rather simple affair. However, since some people are visual learners, here’s a detailed video below that clearly sums up the process.

How to Clean a Tea Kettle

Nothing ruins a wonderful tea party quite like a stained tea kettle or a funky flavored Earl Grey. Thankfully, tea kettles are rather easy to clean with the right technique.

The main enemies of any tea kettle are mineral buildup and tea stains. Copper and stainless steel tea kettles are typically immune to tea stains, which occur from steeping tea, but they are quite susceptible to mineral deposit buildup.

Tap water contains calcium and other minerals. Repeated boiling leaves these evaporated minerals behind in the kettle, forming a white scummy film.

The easiest and most effective way to deal with this problem is by using a combination of salt, vinegar, lemon juice, and ice cubes. Let’s take a look at the cleaning process step-by-step:

Step 1 – Add a splash of white vinegar and lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a handful of ice cubes into the kettle, which will act as the cleaning solution.

Step 2 – Use a sponge or soft pad to scrub the kettle. Make sure to avoid abrasive cleaning pads as they may scratch the kettle.

Step 3 – Thoroughly rinse the kettle to get all of the cleaning solution out.

For further instruction on how to clean the inside of a tea kettle, this video does an excellent job of explaining the process.

Getting tea stains out of your kettle is even easier. Simply fill the kettle with hot water and add a denture tablet. Then, let it sit for about an hour, empty the kettle, and thoroughly wash it. The more tablets you use or the longer you let them sit, the more effective they’ll be.

Best Tea Kettle Material

As you can see by now, there’s a diverse variety of tea kettles on the market these days. However, when it comes to the materials used to create the kettles themselves, there are really only three options. Let’s take a look at each of these options to help you determine which type of kettle will best suite your lifestyle and needs.

Stainless Steel

While you can count on the best stainless steel tea kettle to be attractive, durable, and easy to use, even the best stainless steel electric kettle or stovetop kettle can be somewhat difficult to clean and keep polished. That being said, if you plan on regularly boiling water or need a durable kettle that can withstand the abuse of a growing family, you’ll certainly want to check out our stainless steel kettle reviews as this is definitely the best type of kettle for you.

Glass

Whether you’re simply interested in a glass electric tea kettle or want the best glass tea kettle for the stovetop your money can buy, you’ll be happy to know that glass tea kettles provide the purest cups of tea and coffee. Although glass kettles are more prone to stains, they can be easily cleaned and are perfect for tea or coffee purists and people without small children.

From soup to tea and everything in between, ceramic or porcelain enamel tea kettles have been used for ages. While still breakable, a ceramic tea kettle or enamel tea kettle will last for years and be much more durable than the strongest glass kettle. In fact, ceramic or enamel gives stainless steel a run for its money as the safest tea kettle material. With bold and bright enamel designs widely available as well, ceramic kettles are wonderful for anyone who appreciates durability, good design, and functionality all rolled into one.

FAQ

Should I choose a glass, enamel, or stainless steel tea kettle?

We discussed the pros and cons of these materials above, but if you’re still having trouble deciding on the best type of kettle material to choose, you should take a second to reflect on your needs. If you want a durable, classic English tea kettle with a long spout, you may want to go with stainless steel. If you like to see your tea steep and don’t have to worry about small children and broken glass, then a glass kettle may be ideal. And so on. The key is to think about your needs.

Are electric tea kettles better than stovetop models?

Electric tea kettles are incredibly easy to use and heat water quicker than stovetop models. If you’re a traditionalist or appreciate portability and simplicity, a stovetop kettle may be best for you. However, if you appreciate push-button operation, you’ll be more than pleased with a quality electric kettle.

Are tea kettles dishwasher safe?

Many of today’s tea kettles are designed for modern consumers and are dishwasher safe. However, if you choose a kettle with plastic parts, you may want to check and ensure they are BPA-free.

What is your favorite tea kettle?

I have tried dozens upon dozens of tea kettles over the years and still regularly use quite a few different kettles depending on my mood, the season, and the occasion. That being said, if I had to pick one, my favorite all-around kettle is the OXO Brushed Stainless Classic Tea Kettle, because it’s brilliant both functionally and aesthetically.

Making the Decision

If you’ve managed to make it this far, you now have more than enough knowledge and information to make an informed purchasing decision. You’ve read our expert reviews and have learned a ton in the process, so all you need to do is decide which kettle is best for you and seal the deal.

If you’re searching for both a great kettle and a great value, the OXO Brushed Stainless Classic Tea Kettle is the best tea kettle for your hard-earned money. If you want a great all-around kettle, don’t hesitate to read the full review and get this OXO today! Tea time anyone?